My little girl wants to shoot.

[Interloper]

Thanks for all the replies and the many valuable insights. I believe I will indulge my daughter’s initial desires. There are few joys greater in childhood than and satisfaction of getting exactly what you wanted. And I can say for certain that any firearm purchase is a subjective thing and varies from person to person. The more she likes the more fun it will be so much the better. That said I have heard that the latter model P22's are just a little better made. What are some things to look for while making the purchase? Thanks again.

 

[Sven]

Y'all are lucky to have such fun kids (and the kids are lucky too, more than they yet know).

 

[Rabid Rabbit]

Under 14 year old kids and pistols make me nervous, they're just too quick to turn around and not realize where their barrel is. Of course my issue wasn't so much with them as much as their parent(s) that wasn't watching them closely enough and not aware of what their kid was doing. I'm not letting my daughter shoot a pistol until I see a real awareness of the muzzle with a rifle. But if you really want a pistol for her I'd say a Ruger single six, I think the single action would help minimize the potential for a ND and also force her to slow down and concentrate on the shot instead of pulling the trigger as fast as she can. Once she shows competency with that pistol then move on to where ever her interests are.

 

[Browns Fan]

My first time taking my daughter to the range was when she was 11yrs old, this was after 2yrs of gun safety training (and fun, too! ) with an air rifle. I taught her the manual of arms of the Ruger mkII, How to load it, stance, and sight picture. She was getting ready to make the first shot and you could see the intense look of concentration on her face, trying to remember everything I taught her. When the gun fired, that look of concentration turned into a big smile... I knew she was hooked.

 

[Boarhunter]

Guys,

Took my 8-year-old daughter to watch a local IDPA match last night, and she was hooked! She is already planning participation in her first match...in 3 or 4 years! For now, she is satisfied with being the official league cheerleader.

Boarhunter

 

[sarge83]

My 6 yr. old little girl likes to shoot my Ruger 22/45. I started her by going over the basic safety rules, then one round for a while, then two, now she is up to 5. I watch her closely and so far all rules obeyed and she is a pretty good shot as well.

 

[losangeles]

Great thread! I like to see this involvement for responsible shooting by kids. I've had a difficult time with the wife on this issue. She just won't budge.

 

[Interloper]

I have no problem with my wife and guns. She grew up shooting and even liked going to the range while in the Coast Guard. As a hobby she can take it or leave it, she enjoys me having fun with it. She highly encourages my teaching our girls. Currently it happens that the youngest has the interest. My 13 year old wants to shoot but doesn’t want to take the time away from her computer to take the hunters safety course required by the range. She will have to learn sometime prior to leaving the house. Oh well, all in due time.

 

[Ky Larry]

Good job taking the kids to the range and letting them shoot. Remember, little kids who shoot grow up to be adults who shoot and VOTE! They are our future.

 

[686+]

well..

no range time yet but she did unpack my rangeback as I was getting ready.